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City & State or ZIP Tonight, this weekend, May 5th...
City & State or ZIP
City & State or ZIP Tonight, this weekend, May 5th...
City & State or ZIP

Where’s metro Atlanta’s best dance club?

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In fact, we have two winners. Your Picks shows the outcome of how you voted. For another take, Our Picks offers some guidance from our staff experts.

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Permalink | Comments (97) | Categories: Winners

Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By zATL

August 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Cosmo/Lava!

By Omar Mbye

August 11, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

The best club is club E.s.s.o.… You really enjoy yourself there. Its the combination of young, sexy, hip, fashion, classy, and crunk that gets young going at E.S.S.O

By Tunicia

August 11, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

E.S.S.O….

By consuela

August 11, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

monday UPTOWN thurs ROOFTOP GLEN HOTEL fri OPERA sat VELVET or OPERA sun VELVET

By College Park Ambassador

August 11, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

DREAMZ ATL

By Dylan

August 11, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

loca luna is fire!

By kerri

August 11, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Cowboys in Kennesaw

By Tom

August 11, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

I think it used to be Compound (I heard they are closed for renovations until next year). So for the time being I will go with Dreamz

By C.Dubb

August 11, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

MJQ’s!!!!! Hands-down…. if you haven’t been it literally a hole in the wall or underground for that matter right behind Chipotle on Ponce.

By Angela

August 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Door 44

By greasin

August 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Opera definately

By greasin

August 11, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Opera definately

By Dancin

August 11, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

The Fringe Factory at Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge!

By Donde

August 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Bulldawgs! Hands down! Cheap cover, cheap drinks, great music— hot boys.

By college park

August 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Central Station in EAST POINT!!!!!!!!!

By Donde

August 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Bulldawgs! Hands down! Cheap cover, cheap drinks, great music— hot boys.

By college park

August 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Central Station in EAST POINT!!!!!!!!!

By Old Fogies

August 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

For us 40somethings, Trilogy in East Cobb is Ruperts re-created again. Downtown, I would go with Lava or Opera.

By Katdaddy

August 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Hood Spot (CRUNKEST) - Central Station Down to Earth Spot - E.S.S.O. Classy Spot- Velvet Room

By Joe

August 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Wild bill’s in Duluth. Large dance floor, great live music, cheap drinks, and the wild girls.

By Nick Patel

August 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

OPERA

By Allen

August 11, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

The best Atlanta dance clubs have been closed for development —- specifically, Backstreet and Vision.
:-(

By Allen

August 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

The best Atlanta dance clubs have been closed for development —- specifically, Backstreet and Vision. The best ever was in the 80’s —- Limelight & Backstreet —- two of the greatest. The next best thing we have now is Opera. Someone please put some “pizz-azz” in Atlanta nightlife and bring back the “old days” of Backstreet and Limelight.

By Crunk Loose

August 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Friday-MJQ’s if you like a normal Hip Hop crowd. No dress code or high fashion.

Saturdays-Django’s is hot on Saturday’s in the basement.

Velvet Room, Verve, Dreamz, and Uptown are for the people that just moved to ATL. Locals really don’t go out anymore unless it’s hot. We’ve been exhausted by Freaknicks, Daytona’s, and Miami Memorials. Back in the Day 112, 559, Sensations, Ruperts, Marcos, World Bar and all the Bars in Buckhead back in the day were the best clubs ever!

By Marsha

August 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

MJQ! It is simply the best place in the city to do nothing but dance. Its located off of Ponce in Midtown. Its literally and figuratively an underground club. When you enter it’s like you’re going into a underground tunnel. Once inside you have of choice of going to the main area to dance to some of the best DJ’s spinning hip hop in Atlanta. Or if you’re in a chill mood you can head over to the other side to lounge or dance to funk music. I’m usally a ultra girly girl but when I go to ‘the q’, as regulars affectionately call it, I’m outfitted in a wife beater, jeans, and chucks ready to dance til I sweat. MJQ is definitely the best spot in ATL to go to simply DANCE!

By Melissa

August 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I agree with C.Dubb……MJQ hands down! Every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month the djs rip it and it’s just incredible!

By D'oh!

August 11, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Buckhead Saloon

By B@LG

August 11, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Encore in Duluth………..the place is Great………

By Jeffisgoofingoff

August 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

I know this doesn’t exactly answer the question, but the Limelight was the best place in the western hemisphere. None of these clubs mentioned here can ever live up to the experience of Atlanta’s best club ever…

By T

August 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

CLUBS IN ATLANTA ARE WAAAACK!!! They used to be hot with the original Velvet Room, Visions,the original ESSO..I dont know what happened but they aint nothing like they used to be…IM STAYING HOME!!

By CertifiedCrunk1

August 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

LUCKIE LOUNGE on Wednesday Nights is a cant miss!!!! Every week is something NEW!!!! U have to check it out!!!!

By It'sMe

August 11, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

If dancing is what you’re looking to do, then you gotta check-out MJQ. I’ve found that a lot of clubs in Atl are frequented by judgemental, superficial folk decked out in head-2-toe designer knock-offs that are only in the club to be seen and to be rude to everyone around them. Not so at MJQ. Very friendly/accepting/ everybody-loves-everybody vibe mixed with Atl’s best DJs. Always a good time. *NOTE: MJQ does not accept credit cards. Bring CASH.

By sassyajc

August 11, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

friday nights at either mary’s or eastside lounge in the eav!!

By Joey Mills

August 11, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Opera

By Voice of Reason

August 12, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

My house. I put on music and dance for hours…like nobody’s watching. Have to take a shower before going to bed because everything is dripping wet when I get through 3-4 hours later.

By JustSayNo

August 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry but OPERA is not worth it. (Unless you’re in VIP then it’s always worth it). I refuse to wait in a line that is wrapped around the block to pay twice as much cover when I could go to three other clubs within a block of there that are playing the same, if not better, music. The hype will die down soon and then they’ll be looking for a new name and a new theme to start all over again.

By BoyBlue

August 12, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

BullDogs @ Peachstreet St. Friendly environment, great music, great drinks

By BoyBlue

August 12, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

BullDogs @ Peachstreet St. Friendly environment, great music, great drinks

By BoyBlue

August 12, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

BullDogs @ Peachstreet St. Friendly environment, great music, great drinks

By James

August 12, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

MJQ…without a doubt!

By lock

August 12, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Dudleys, Evans Mill Road in Lithonia. What’s Up, OT? !

By Michael

August 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

You can really grind you +ss of at STOUTS….. i’m talking heavy friction..

By Michael

August 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

You can really grind your +ss of at STOUTS….. i’m talking heavy friction..

By Michael

August 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

You can really grind your +ss off at STOUTS….. i’m talking heavy friction..

By Michael

August 12, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

You can really grind your +ss off at STOUTS….. i’m talking heavy friction..

By DruG

August 12, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

IVE GOTTEN MORE BUTT THAN A BUTCHER at KRAMERS in BUCKHEAD

By Maggie

August 12, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I can’t pick one.. so Opera, Uptown, Compound was great too, Velvet Room on fridays, Verve and D’jango. Encore in Duluth was actually fun too. There are some reggae clubs on Memorial but I forgot the names. But Studio 72 was a BIG disappoinment.

By David

August 12, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

BIG A???? What?? HAHAHAHA!!!

By SuperT

August 12, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

SUTRA, VELVET, OPERA, and ENCORE are all nice places. It’s just kinda hit & miss on which nights are better :D

By huh

August 12, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

HUH? What about a dance club in Duluth has to do with Atlanta?

Not a shock to see a Patel vote for Opera….that place is like the second coming of Mumbai LOL

By Skip

August 12, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Johnny’s Hideaway….do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight! Get down tonight!

By BC

August 12, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

All new clubs in ATL are hot until the owner recognizes it and start holding up the line, over-charging to get in, charging valet and over-charging on drinks. Then it;s not so hot anymore and people are going to places like MJQ again. I prefer the bar scene anyway.

By Whitey

August 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Best place to dance is anywhere you can go and not worry about a bunch of gangsta’s shooting the place up trying to emulate their rap idols. Unfortunately there aren’t too many of those places left in Atlanta, the hoodlums have taken over.

By Reggae Rocka

August 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

to dance and sweat and hear the best in Caribbean music — Vibe on Glenwood on Fri and Footprints on Snapfinger on Sat. That’s for the adult crowd. For da youngsters - any of those clubs on Memorial Dr like Atrium, etc.

By Randy

August 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Opera is the place to be seen every weekend! Friendly staff, attractive people, and inviting atmosphere.

By Sandra

August 12, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

There are no good clubs in ATLANTA Period. The only time it’s even worth going out is when an infamous D.J. is in town. Other than that, the D.J.’s love to F—-all the songs up by breaking into it..Too much hip hop in town. That’s not dance music, can’t get down to that! We need a good club to put Atlanta on the map!

By murphy

August 12, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Encore, hands down!

By Michelle

August 12, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Opera for sure!!

By jes

August 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

the best place to dance? where ever i am, DUH…

By ACG1908

August 12, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

MJQs for the most diverse music and crowd! ESSO’s for getting it crunk!

By s

August 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

MJQ

By tim

August 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Opera brings the biggest DJ’s such as Tiesto, Van D**, Oakenfold, DJ AM, to our city to make it like NYC, LA, Miami, without jumping on a plane ro see world class talent. My favorite experience in the venue is the building is 100 years old and there is no other club in the city which gives you the feeling of being in a 18 century Opera house while you listen to the best DJ’s in the world. You could Opera up against any other club in the country and it puts Atlanta on the map as a great city to party. The venue has had some great concerts through the years with Prince, Jay-Z, Kayne West, and the Eagles. Opera has Playboy Party on August 14th and Sept 6th The UFC is hostings its after-party with Chuck Lidell at Opera. I’m glad we have a venue like Opera in “ATL” so i can take my know it all friends to a place that will shut them up! :-)

By Peyton

August 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Opera is by far the best.

By JustSayNo

August 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

So….Tim, how long have you worked at Opera????

By Kevin

August 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

I def agree that the club scene has gotten watered down. It seems to happen like that every 3 or 4 years,but for now i’d have to put my money on Esso its two times better that dreamz or any of those other clubs. A nice crowd, enuff space and resonable drink prices

By Dee

August 12, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Since Compound is Closed, I will have to go with Velvet room on Fri, Dreamz ATL on Saturdays

By Anthony

August 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Opera and Velvet Room, Nice vibes

By nativequeen

August 12, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Where in ATL do the grown folks party?

By Kaydee

August 12, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

wherever the caipirinhas are flowin!

By LD

August 12, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

www.oldschoolsaturday.com Every 3rd Saturday at a different host hotel. Fun, Fun, Fun or play date: www.playdateatl.com something new for us 35 and over.

By Big Bad Doo-Doo Daddy

August 13, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Manual’s Tavern! No music and everyone stares at me strangely, but, “I’m just a groove machine!”

By Kiki

August 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Compound was great,one place with three different vibes. Can’t wait to go!!!!

By Really?

August 13, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Opera is the worst club I have ever been to, whoever owns/runs that place has no idea what their doing. I’m convinced that everyone on here posting glowing reviews of that place works there.

By kookoo

August 13, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

atlanta sucks big time.you guys are lame and I hate the the so called Hip hop crwod!!! Scary

By kookoo

August 13, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

atlanta sucks big time.you guys are lame and I hate the the so called Hip hop crwod!!! Scary

By darkntwisty

August 13, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Dreamz ATL definitely.

By amy

August 14, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

MJQ

By Finesse

August 15, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this

CENTRAL STATION -East Point THE RITZ - Southside (Old Nat) THE VELVET ROOM -NE Atlanta PRIMETIME - Eastside

By Dee

August 19, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I have to agree that the Limelight was the best dance club ever in ATL. But sadly those days are gone…. :( So I guess if I had to pick a place at all it would be Hell at the Masquerade because I like that type of Gothic dance mix and you can go over to Purgatory to cool off….

By Jena

August 20, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Wild Bills is a blast!

By Harry T.

August 20, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Swinging Richards for sure!

By Ben B.

August 20, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Arlene’s Bar and Grill. Good music and all the crabs you want.

By B. Butler

August 20, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

The only time I have seen a woman naked was after a night at Hole in the Wall.

By Miguel Martinez

August 23, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

MGQ! No dress code, no cover, underground, great DJ”S fantastic atmosphere and good vive, no doubt MGQ!!!!!!!!!

By sassyajc

August 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

mjq used to be fun… like 15 years ago when it was under the ponce hotel. lenny’s was fun, too… when it was in the old dottie’s space. i guess i’m just old and bitter, but i can’t think of anywhere i like to go and dance except for eastside lounge and mary’s in EAV.

By andrew burger

August 26, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

If you’re Gay it the Heretic. Hot, sleezy and cruisy. If you’re not Gay go somewhere else.

By SteveO

August 27, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

MJQ w/o a doubt. It’s a real live party, and not some boring poser club scene.

By Anna S

August 27, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Taboo 2

By grneyedmustang

August 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

MJQ on Friday nights wins, hands down. They play REAL hip hop.

By ScottieB

August 28, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Loca Luna Es Muey Caliente!!!!!

By NMDC

August 29, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

East Side Lounge

By pimp cruz

August 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

my house every fri night!

By Anne

August 29, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Like many others I vote for MJQ especially Brit Pop nights!!!

By stimpson j katz

August 30, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

how can people say MJQ isnt a poser scene?? Its fun, sure, but its filled with hipster wannabe’s taking a break from georgia tech or underage people who think that its really an underground club. Its just like L5P— used to be great and authentic, now its still ‘fun’ but completely poser. Red Door (midtown, spring4th) def. has more of the authentic ‘underground club’ feel when there are events there.

For those who used to like the Visions scene, wait till it reopens. It is incredible inside. They put millions into the new place.

By John Winston

August 31, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Open 7 days a week. Swing music early; but dance music changes with the crowd. Freebies on special occasions. Almost always someone to dance with in the evenings. All dance levels from beginners to dance professionals.

By John Winston

August 31, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Johnny’s Hideaway. Gets ayounger crowd as the night gets later.

By Dixie

September 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Nowhere since Hollywood Hots closed. Backstreet came close.

 

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